2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

I fixed my car starting problems. Read.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 21, 2003 | 09:57 AM
  #1  
StarionX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Smile I fixed my car starting problems. Read.

Brief description of the problem.
When ingine was cold, the starter would crank very slow, not enough to start the car. After getting a boost, car would start straight away (starter motor sounded normal).
If engine was warm, starter motor acted normally and I could crank the engine, but because I have fuel flooding problems, this could usually take 2-3 attempts. If it took more (4 or 5), then the starter motor would become very slow again and I would need a boost to start the car.

At first I thought the battery or the alternator were dying, but after testing the charging system, I got 14.1v, which is pretty good. After trying to start it a few times, got the dreaded 'slow starter motor' again.
I decided to check the battery connectors. They looked ok (a little worn, as they are the originals), so I decided to replace them with new ones. Connected the battery and tried to start the car. The starter motor sounded just fine, and I got the car started.

Bottom line - it was a 'faulty' connection between the old battery connectors and the battery.

I fixed it today, so the true test will come tomorrow when I try to start it cold.

Thanks to all the people (especially Hailers), who gave advice.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2003 | 11:01 AM
  #2  
SureShot's Avatar
Seduced by the DARK SIDE
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 2
From: Orange Park FL (near Jax)
The golden rule of battery connection:

Battery contact surfaces must be BRIGHT & SHINNY.
Dull gray looking posts or clamps give high resistance.
This is easy to find because the bad connection will get hot while cranking.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2003 | 11:03 AM
  #3  
saltlakebay's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I agree. I had a prob with my old 86. It wasnt really the connection to the battery, it was the negative cable to the terminal that was corroded.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2003 | 11:51 AM
  #4  
chris_stampe's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
From: Spearfish, SD
Isnt there some type of chemical that you can put on your battery terminals to keep them from curroding or getting that grey **** on them?
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2003 | 12:57 PM
  #5  
GlenL's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
My buddy has a bad connection between the wires and the terminal of the wire (bad crimp?). If his vehicle didn't crank, he would go and jiggle the cable until it did.

Here's something to help prevent corrosion:

http://golfercars.com/B004.htm

Last edited by GlenL; Feb 21, 2003 at 12:59 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2003 | 01:25 PM
  #6  
StarionX's Avatar
Thread Starter
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 823
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Originally posted by SureShot
The golden rule of battery connection:

Battery contact surfaces must be BRIGHT & SHINNY.
Dull gray looking posts or clamps give high resistance.
This is easy to find because the bad connection will get hot while cranking.
I wish I would have looked at the connecters first, would have saved me 3 weeks of pain.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
Jul 1, 2023 04:40 PM
immanuel__7
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
89
Sep 5, 2015 10:23 AM
gtcd
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
30
Aug 19, 2015 02:44 AM
torky007
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
7
Aug 17, 2015 05:14 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:53 PM.